Bethlehem's Holiday Tree Lighting Lights Up Once Again Since the Start of the Conflict

Throughout a two-year period amid the conflict in Gaza, all public celebrations for Christmas were called off within the city of Bethlehem located in the West Bank. This place is where Christians believe Jesus was born.

However, following the recent ceasefire, this sacred city determined that this year celebrations would return, as symbolised by the illumination of its traditional, giant Christmas tree before the historic Nativity Church.

"It's been a bad two years without celebration; no holiday, no jobs, no work," states Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. "Our community survives from tourism and tourism was down to zero."

He acknowledges that the decision of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for members of the small Christian population, who often have family ties in Bethlehem.

"Some may say it is unsuitable while others contend it is fitting," the mayor notes. "But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the correct action to take because the Christmas season must never be halted or abandoned. This represents a beacon of hope for us."

A Glimmer of Festivity Returns

Residents – from both Christian and Muslim faiths – take photographs before the tree decorated with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a small number of foreign tourists.

Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets with signs promoting Christmas bazaars and children's parties.

"We are delighted to have the tree, first of all, and to welcome visitors in Bethlehem and to have the chance to observe the holiday in its authentic spirit," says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.

"This is where everything began, so this is where we can send the message globally about what really Christmas should be about. And now, if Christmas is peaceful, I sincerely hope it will deliver a positive message for the entire world."

Economic Prospects and Challenges

Nearby towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light holiday trees soon. Hotels – which have stood largely empty for two years – have an influx in reservations from Palestinian citizens of Israel along with some foreign visitors.

A visitor from Russia, Angelica, is making her second pilgrimage to the Holy Land. "I think everyone needs to come at minimum one time during their lifetime," she states.

"I hope a lot of people will soon come back as it is sorrowful without many tourists. The only thing that is positive is there are no lengthy queues – one can visit and experience more. On my prior visit it was necessary to wait in a queue for hours minimum."

Currently, the gift shops scattered throughout Bethlehem have little business, and near the pale walls of the Church of the Nativity, which date back to the 4th century, guides largely stand idle. Prior to the Gaza war, it was typically packed with visitors.

"This is a city for tourists; absent visitors there is no livelihood," expresses one guide Hamza. "We aspire to see individuals returning as in the past: from European nations, the Middle Eastern region, America, Latin America and everywhere. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and then we will wait."

The Lingering Economic Toll

In the past two years, joblessness has soared in Bethlehem. Since the lethal attacks led by Hamas in southern Israel during October 2023 that sparked the conflict, many thousands of Palestinian labourers from the West Bank region have been blocked from entering Israel and Israeli settlements to work.

At the same time, government employees have received only partial wages by the Palestinian Authority (PA) – which governs areas within the West Bank. The Authority depends on tax income gathered by Israel, which it is withholding – to the tune of $1.76 billion, according to the UN's trade and development agency.

Israeli officials state they are retaining the funds due to the fact that the PA makes financial payments to incarcerated Palestinians that incentivise attacks on Israelis. The PA – which has been under international pressure to make reforms – claims it has lately modified its welfare system.

A Modest Christmas Season

The grim economic situation implies that for numerous Christian Palestinians, even though there are now public events as well as religious ceremonies, it will constitute an austere Christmas.

At the edge of the square, a few customers are waiting to purchase hot balls of falafel from several shops.

"We're preparing for Christmas following one of our hardest periods as Palestinians and as Christians," says one restaurant owner, who runs a restaurant called Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant which has seen its income plummet. He notes lately many families could not even afford falafel – an inexpensive, traditional food.

"Christians will try to mark the occasion but according to their circumstances," Mr Salameh anticipates. "An individual wishing to take his kids to a festival or the theatre or similar, they lack the money to expend for this celebration."

Prayers for Peace and Prosperity

Within the grotto at the base of the Nativity Church, a resident follows a tour group from India, stooping down near a silver star which marks the location where tradition states that Jesus was born and igniting a candle close by.

Amid ongoing high tensions throughout the area, Bethlehem residents state they are praying for peace – and hoping for tourists to come back to the location which is thought to be where Christmas started.